Means for detachable support of keys within a pocket of an article of clothing

ABSTRACT

A key chain in which a key ring is attached to a clip adapted for detachable engagement with the material of a pocket of an article of clothing such that the ring and keys thereon are suspended within the pocket. Pivotably attached to the clip at an end thereof remote from the key ring is a manually engageable element which can be inserted into the pocket when the key chain is mounted in the worn position, the manually engageable element being removed from the pocket and employed to detach the clip from the pocket.

United States Patent [191 Langwell MEANS FOR DETACHABLE SUPPORT OF KEYSWITHIN A POCKET OF AN ARTICLE OF CLOTHING [76] Inventor: John D.Langwell, 28 Branch Ave.,

Freeport, NY. U520 [22] Filed: May 22, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 255,783

[52] US. Cl. 70/456 R, 70/457 [51] Int. Cl A44b 15/00 [58] Field ofSearch ..70/456-459;

224/4 A, 5 R, 26 152 1731, "5 H, 3 J, 3 K, 73 GS, 49 c, 73 BC, 73 c [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,659,759 5/1972 Walton .Q 224/5R 2,777,l80 1/1957 Keating 24/73 [4 1 Dec. 18, 1973 9/l9l4 Boye 70/45 H7/1941 Daniels 24/3 K Primary Examiner-Robert L. Wolfe Atlorney-Alan K.Roberts et al.

[ ABSTRACT A key chain in which a key ring is attached to a clip 7 14Claims, 6 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND pended within the pocket.

b. Prior Art There are innumeral devices known in the art for thesupport of keys within the pocket of an article of cloth- The mostcommon device is a case which is loosely carried in the pocket and whichhas no physical connection to the material of the pocket. Such cases arethereby easily lost. Moreover, they are generally bulky and cumbersomeand are uncomfortable to carry. Furthermore, because their weight isborne by the material of the pocket, they tend to tear the pocket andproduce holes therein. The keys are generally concealed in such casesand therefore each time the keys are used or stored the case must beopened and closed.

Also known are key chain devices in which the keys are carried looselyon a ring or in a case and attached via a long chain to a clip whichattaches to a belt or a trouser loop. The chain must be of sufficientlength to enable the keys to be utilized in their normal operation,since the clip remains in place during use of the keys. The keys therebynever become physically separated from the person of the wearer and thisminimizes loss. However, the keys are loose within the pocket despiteits attachment to the chain and this results in discomfort to thewearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provideapparatus for detachably supporting keys within a pocket of an artioleof clothing which avoids the disadvantages associated with the prior artdevices. The key support apparatus will hereafter be referred to by thesimple generic term key chain."

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a key chain bywhich the keys can be carried comfortably within a pocket and offerlittle likelihood of damaging the same.

The invention takes advantage of the cleft of a pocket in which tosuspend the keys on a key chain. By

the cleft" of the pocket is meant the region immediately bordering theside edges of a pocket where the material is stitched together. Thisregion is generally not utilized in carrying articles in the pocket andit has been surprisingly discovered that keys can be readilyaccommodated in the cleft and offer little interference to access to thepocket. Moreover, the keys are carried comfortably and their presence tothe wearer is almost nil. Furthermore, the keys become relativelyconfined between the material of the cleft and thereby tightly retainedso as not to jingle without restriction as in loosely carried keys on aring. Additionally, because the keys are confined within the cleft inthe interior of the pocket, they do not produce unsightly bulges at thefront of the pocket.

In accordance with the invention, the key chain comprises a ring onwhich the keys aresecured in detachable manner, and attached to the ringis a clip which is adapted for being detachably engaged with thematerialof a pocket such that the ring and keys are suspended within the cleftof the pocket.

The clip is formed with two opposed portions between which the materialat the front of the pocket can be engaged. Hence, one of the opposedportions is positioned outside the pocket and this portion can befinished in decorative manner. The other portion lies within the pocketand supports the ring and keys.

In further accordance with the invention, there is attached to the clipat an ,end thereof remote from the ring and keys, a manually engageablemember which facilitates handling of the key chain, and particularly,removal of the clip and keys from the pocket and reapplication thereto.

It is advantageous if the manually engageable member is formed as a keysupport means for support of separate keys such as for the house, thecar etc.

The manually engageable member serves as a counter-balance means for theclip in the sense that it permits easy manual engagement and. removal ofthe clip from the pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the keychain according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the key chain according to theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional taken on line 3 3 in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the key chain in wearing position in the front pocket of apair of trousers.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the snap of the keychain; and

FIG. 6 is an end view of the snap of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawing, FIGS. 1 and 2 shows a keychain 1 which essentially comprises a ring 2 for carrying keys 3, a clip4 connected to ring 2, and a key support member in the form of a snap 5connected to clip 4 at an end thereof remote from the end at which ring2 is connected to the clip. The snap 5 carries keys 6.

The key chain is intended to be detachably carried in a pocket of anarticle of clothing, and as seen in FIG. 4, the key chain is worn in thefront pocket 7 of a pair of trousers 8.

The pockets of clothing possess cllefts 9 at the side regions where thepocket material is sewed together, and it has been discovered that theseclefts can be utilized for accommodating keys in suspended fashion abovethe bottom of the pocket and provide great convenience and comfort inthe storage of keys.

In order to secure the key chain in the position in which it is worn bythe user,the keys 3 on ring 2 are slid into the pocket until a ring 14and section 18 of the clip are resting against the inside of front 10 ofthe pocket material, with clip 4 facing toward the outside of thepocket. Pressure is lightly applied to clip 4 to slighly open the clipand the clip is then pushed downward until the material of the front 10of the pocket extends full depth into the clip as seen in FIG. 4. Afront curved portion 14a of ring 14 prevents the clip from slipping outof position when the material of the pocket rests against section 18during insertion. The keys 3 on ring 2 are suspended from the clip 4within the pocket,

and are positioned in the cleft at the rear of pocket 7 in spacedrelation above the bottom of the pocket. The snap and keys 6 are alsodisposed in the same cleft at the rear of pocket 7 and overlie the ring2 and keys 3 at a higher location in the pocket.

ln such configuration, the keys are comfortably carried in the pocketand tend to be held in the cleft in the pocket by the material thereof.There is virtually no bulge produced at the front of the pocket and thekey chain lies smoothly along the side of the leg of the wearer.

In order to remove the key chain from the pocket, the snap 5 and key 6are manually grasped and removed from the pocket and these are pulled ina direction away from the pocket to slidably disengage the clip 4 fromthe pocket and remove the ring 2 and keys 3 therefrom.

The snap 5 and keys 6 serve as a counterbalance means in the sense thatthey are manually engageable to promote removal of the key chain fromthe pocket. Taking advantage of the elongated shape of snap 5, it isreadily distinguishable by feel fron ring 2 when manually engaged in thepocket, both by virtue of its different shape and its higher suspendedposition in the pocket from the top of the clip 4. Although thecounterbalance means has been shown in the form ofa snap with keysthereon, it is also possible for the counterbalance means to be acircular key ring, or to be constructed as a solid pendant without keyswhich, for example, can be connected by means ofa chain to clip 4, andeven worn outside the pocket, if desired. However, the use of snap 5enables one to separate keys on this snap from keys on ring 2. Hence,keys which are used with greater or lesser frequency, can be separatedfrom the rest of the keys and placed on snap 5. By way of example, housekeys or car keys can be replaced on snap 5.

The snap 5 is constructed of resilient material with overlapped edgesserving as a quick release means, so that the keys thereon are readilyremovable by squeezing the snap to open a space between the edges. Theready removability of the keys on snap 5 may be of advantage if the snapcarries car keys and these are to be left in the car while the remainderof the keys are to be carried by the wearer. The form of the snap 5 isimmaterial and it can be made in any manner in which key removal issimple. It is significant however, that the snap 5 be freely pivotablymounted on clip 4, as the snap must be manually engageable and shiftedin various directions to remove the clip 4 from the pocket.

Snap 5 is shown in smaller than ring 2 to facilitate engagement in thepocket. If it should be desired to expand the key carrying capability ofsnap 5, an additional ring can be added thereto.

The ring 2 has been illustrated as a conventional splitring but may beof any suitable construction to permit addition and removal of keystherefrom as desired.

The clip 4 is made of a single length of resilient wire bent tooperative shape. The clip 4 is provided with two opposed sections 11 and12, between which the material of the pocket is inserted, such thatsection 11 is outside the pocket while section 12 and ring 2 with thekeys 3 thereon are suspended inside the pocket. The section 12 is formedwith a bent tongue 13 which serves to hold the material in resilientlyclamped relation be- .tween sections 11 and 12. The section 11 is formedas an elongated loop with opposed arms between which fits the tongue 13.At the free end of section 12, the clip is formed with a loop 14 whichslidably engages the ring 2.

The clip 4 is formed by bending loop 14 at one end ofa length of wireand a loop 15 at the other end of the wire. A coil 16 of two turns isthen wound at an intermediate location in the wire and a bend 17, tongue13 and straight section 18 are formed in succession. Thereafter theelongated loop 11 is formed by bending the wire so that loop 15 isbrought into a coaxial position with coil 16.

A loop connector 19 extends through loop 15 and coil 16 and is freelypivotable therein and the snap 5 is connected to the loop connector 19.Optionally, if desired, a small chain of links or the like may beinterposed between snap 5 and connector 19.

An eyelet 20 can be advantageously fixedly inserted in loop 15 and thecoaxial coil 16 and receive loop connector 19.

The connector 19 is initially in the form of a spread open U, withdivergent legs provided with inwardly bent ends at degrees facing eachother. The connector 19 is secured in the eyelet by deforming the legsinto eyelet 20 where they are brought together in permanently clampedrelation'in the eyelet in the manner diagramatically illustrated in FIG.1.

It is important to note, that the spring pressure of the clip 4 can beincreased or decreased at the bend 17, by bending the resilient wire inthe proper direction. An increase of pressure, which would also increasethe holding power of the clip might be advantageous, if the wearer wouldbe involved in extra heavy physical activities. In addition, the tongue13 can be bent to protrude deeper into the elongated loop 11, which willeven further increase the holding capacity of the clip and be an addedprotection against loss. Under normal conditions however, both changes,which can easily be accomplished either by the user or at the time ofmanufacture, are superfluous. I

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the snap designated by numeral 5a.The snap 5a is preferred over the simple resilient band snap 5, in thatsnap 5a is bent to shape from a single length of the same wire fromwhich the clip 4 is made.

The snap 5a is of generally elongated form with a loop 30 at one end forengaging connector 19, and at the other end, the snap 5a has overlappededge portions 31 which are of V-shape in plan view and constitute thequick release means for removable attachment of keys or a key ring. Thesnap 5a is formed with opposed V-shaped shoulders 32. In order to opensnap 5a to remove either keys or a key ring therefrom, the shoulders 32are engaged by a key or the ring and the latter is twisted to move theshoulders away from one another in a direction to cause the edgeportions 31 to become spaced apart and permit removal of the keys orring. To replace the keys or ring on snap 5a, the keys or ring areforceably inserted between the overlapped edge portions 31 to cause thesame to resiliently yield and permit placement of the keys or ring onthe snap whereafter the edge portions resiliently return to theiroriginal overlapped positions. To facilitate entry of the keys and ringbetween the overlapped edge portions 31, the user can apply lateralpressure to the opposite legs 33 of the snap to cause the shoulders 32to move transversely towards one another, this producing opening of thespace between the edge portions 31.

In the course of use of the key chain, the snap 5a greatly resistslongitudinal forces applied to the snap at the apex of the V due to theprovision of the overlapped edges. The snap 5 constructed of a resilientband, is somewhat less effective in this respect since longitudinalforces applied to the band tend to deform the same and open the closure.

Although the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment thereof, numerous variations and modifications will becomeevident to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A key chain adapted for being detachably carried within a pocket ofan article of clothing, said key chain comprising a ring for support ofa key, clip means for detachable support on the material of a pocket ofan article of clothing, said clip means having opposite ends, said ringbeing connected to one of the ends of the clip means such that the ringand key are suspended within a cleft of the pocket when the clip meansis operatively engaged with the material of said pocket, engageablecounterbalance means for enabling removal of the clip means and the ringfrom said pocket, and

means connecting the counterbalance means to the clip means at the otherof said ends thereof for free pivotal movement, said counterbalancemeans also being suspendable within the pocket when the clip means isoperatively engaged with the material of said pocket.

2. A key chain as claimed in claim 1 wherein said counterbalance meansincludes a quick release means comprising a connector including a lengthof wire forming a closed loop at one end and a pair of branches withoverlapped edge portions at an opposite end.

3. A key chain as claimed in claim 2 wherein said branches are disposedin a common plane and said overlapped edges include V-shaped portionswhich are bent out of plane, said branches including respective V-shapedshoulders in opposition to one another which are movable relative to oneanother to open the over- 6 lapped edge portions of the connector forrelease purposes.

4. A key chain as claimed in claim 1 wherein said counterbalance meanscomprises a key support means connected to the clip'means.

5. A key chain as claimed in claim 4 wherein at least said key supportmeans includes quick release means for removable attachment of a keythereto.

6. A key chain as claimed in claim 4 wherein the key support means has aform to distinguish the same by feel from said ring.

7. A key chain as claimed in claim 4 wherein said clip means isconstituted of a deformed length of wire including opposed portionsbetween which the material of the pocket can be engaged.

8. A key chain as claimed in claim 7 wherein said length of wireincludes at one end a loop engaging the said key ring.

9. A key chain as claimed in claim 7 wherein one of said opposedportions comprises an elongated loop with a pair of opposite arms, theother of said opposed portions comprising a short length of said wiredisposed between said arms of the loop to define a clip therewith.

10. A key chain as claimed in claim 9 wherein said short length of wireincludes a bent portion therein.

11. A key chain as claimed in claim 10 wherein said length of wire ofthe clip means is continuous and resilrent.

12. A key chain as claimed in claim 11 wherein the means connecting thecounterbalance means and the clip means comprises at least one connectorbetween the key support means and the clip means.

13. A key chain as claimed in claim 12 wherein said arms of the loop andsaid short length of wire respectively include a bent loop and a springcoil, which are coaxial and define a common opening therethrough, saidconnector being engaged in said common opening.

14. A key chain as claimed in claim 13 wherein, said length of wire ofthe clip means includes means for adjusting the clamping force of theclip means against said material.

1. A key chain adapted for being detachably carried within a pocket ofan article of clothing, said key chain comprising a ring for support ofa key, clip means for detachable support on the material of a pocket ofan article of clothing, said clip means having opposite ends, said ringbeing connected to one of the ends of the clip means such that the ringand key are suspended within a cleft of the pocket when the clip meansis operatively engaged with the material of said pocket, engageablecounterbalance means for enabling removal of the clip means and the ringfrom said pocket, and means connecting the counterbalance means to theclip means at the other of said ends thereof for free pivotal movement,said counterbalance means also being suspendable within the pocket whenthe clip means is operatively engaged with the material of said pocket.2. A key chain as claimed in claim 1 wherein said counterbalance meansincludes a quick release means comprising a connector including a lengthof wire forming a closed loop at one end and a pair Of branches withoverlapped edge portions at an opposite end.
 3. A key chain as claimedin claim 2 wherein said branches are disposed in a common plane and saidoverlapped edges include V-shaped portions which are bent out of plane,said branches including respective V-shaped shoulders in opposition toone another which are movable relative to one another to open theoverlapped edge portions of the connector for release purposes.
 4. A keychain as claimed in claim 1 wherein said counterbalance means comprisesa key support means connected to the clip means.
 5. A key chain asclaimed in claim 4 wherein at least said key support means includesquick release means for removable attachment of a key thereto.
 6. A keychain as claimed in claim 4 wherein the key support means has a form todistinguish the same by feel from said ring.
 7. A key chain as claimedin claim 4 wherein said clip means is constituted of a deformed lengthof wire including opposed portions between which the material of thepocket can be engaged.
 8. A key chain as claimed in claim 7 wherein saidlength of wire includes at one end a loop engaging the said key ring. 9.A key chain as claimed in claim 7 wherein one of said opposed portionscomprises an elongated loop with a pair of opposite arms, the other ofsaid opposed portions comprising a short length of said wire disposedbetween said arms of the loop to define a clip therewith.
 10. A keychain as claimed in claim 9 wherein said short length of wire includes abent portion therein.
 11. A key chain as claimed in claim 10 whereinsaid length of wire of the clip means is continuous and resilient.
 12. Akey chain as claimed in claim 11 wherein the means connecting thecounterbalance means and the clip means comprises at least one connectorbetween the key support means and the clip means.
 13. A key chain asclaimed in claim 12 wherein said arms of the loop and said short lengthof wire respectively include a bent loop and a spring coil, which arecoaxial and define a common opening therethrough, said connector beingengaged in said common opening.
 14. A key chain as claimed in claim 13wherein, said length of wire of the clip means includes means foradjusting the clamping force of the clip means against said material.